Henderson County names new public health director

Transylvania County's health director Steve Smith to start in Henderson County in May

From staff reports

Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 9:05 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 9:05 a.m.

With more than 27 years of experience working in county health departments across the state, and most recently in Transylvania County, Steve Smith will begin his new role as Henderson County public health director early next month.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the health director for Henderson County. The Board of Public Health and the Department of Public Health have a strong legacy of health achievement in the community and North Carolina,” Smith said in a statement. “It will be my privilege to support and advance the services, programs, and objectives that meet the community health needs of Henderson County.”

Smith will start May 5, according to a release from the county.

He has worked through the ranks in public health departments, from pool inspections technician to county health director. Smith has previously served as the health director in Stokes County, and has held the position in Transylvania County since 2004.

“I believe Steve is the strong leader the Health Department needs to direct us through the new challenges we will encounter over the next few years. We are excited for him to begin his new position in Henderson County,” said Terry Hicks, chairman of the Henderson County Board of Public Health.

Smith received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. Outside of work, he has taken an active role in his community. He serves in Transylvania County as a member of The Free Clinic Board of Directors, chairman of the Child Fatality Prevention Team, chairman of the Land of Waterfalls Partnership for Health, facilitator with the Transylvania County Dental Society and a member of the School Health Advisory Council.

<p>With more than 27 years of experience working in county health departments across the state, and most recently in Transylvania County, Steve Smith will begin his new role as Henderson County public health director early next month.</p><p>“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the health director for Henderson County. The Board of Public Health and the Department of Public Health have a strong legacy of health achievement in the community and North Carolina,” Smith said in a statement. “It will be my privilege to support and advance the services, programs, and objectives that meet the community health needs of Henderson County.”</p><p>Smith will start May 5, according to a release from the county.</p><p>He has worked through the ranks in public health departments, from pool inspections technician to county health director. Smith has previously served as the health director in Stokes County, and has held the position in Transylvania County since 2004.</p><p>“I believe Steve is the strong leader the Health Department needs to direct us through the new challenges we will encounter over the next few years. We are excited for him to begin his new position in Henderson County,” said Terry Hicks, chairman of the Henderson County Board of Public Health.</p><p>Smith received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. Outside of work, he has taken an active role in his community. He serves in Transylvania County as a member of The Free Clinic Board of Directors, chairman of the Child Fatality Prevention Team, chairman of the Land of Waterfalls Partnership for Health, facilitator with the Transylvania County Dental Society and a member of the School Health Advisory Council.</p>